The ports of call on this voyage from China to Japan introduce us to the rich historical and cultural diversity of the western Pacific. 5,000 years of Chinese history collected in the National Palace Museum in Taipei; the unique crafts and music of the people of Ishigaki; the legacy of the Ryuku kingdom represented in the UNESCO World Heritage Shuri Castle on Okinawa; the samurai houses of Chiran; the Fujisan Sengen shrine in the foothills of Mt. Fuji; the Kumano Shinto shrines near Shingu – these are just some of the fascinating places you may visit along our way from Hong Kong to Osaka.

As we explore the natural and cultural heritage of the distant past of islands we visit, we will also attend to a more recent chapter in their history. Word War II was without doubt the defining event of the 20th century – realigning the balance of power both in Europe and in Asia, and establishing the United States as a global superpower. As we sail – metaphorically – in the wake of General Douglas MacArthur on his way to accept Japanese surrender in 1945, our guest lecturers, James Bradley and Philip Hurst, will guide us in an exploration of the origins and conduct of the war and consider with us how the war has shaped the world in which we live.

Highlights

• A series of lectures and discussions with historians James Bradley and Philip Hurst

• An included, specially arranged meeting with survivors and successors at the Peace Memorial in Hiroshima

• The opportunity to discover landmark iconic sites of Japanese culture, ranging from the distant past through to the present day

• Optional excursions to sites connected to World War II, including a museum in Chiran dedicated to Kamikaze pilots

Hong Kong, known as the “Fragrant harbour”, bordered by the South China Sea, is a heady place attracting tourists from the world over. This former British colony today combines ultramodern shopping malls and authentic markets like the Ladie’s Market or the night market on Temple Street. At first sight, you’ll be overwhelmed by the city’s architecture which, because of lack of ground space, reaches skywards, with its 1,250 skyscrapers and other towers. Believing is seeing, so if you go up to Victoria Peak, the highest point on the island, you’ll see a dizzying and unforgettable view of the bay.

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observer marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

On the north-east tip of Taiwan, the harbour city of Keelung stands on one of the most beautiful coasts on the island. Nearby is the spectacular natural park of Yehliu, famed for its striking rock formations. Itﾒs easy to tour the cityﾒs historical sites on trails that cross the lush green hills surrounding the harbour ﾖ from Chung Cheng Park to Fort Ershawan, you can enjoy superb views of Keelung and the coastline. But the main attraction is the Miaokou night market, where you can taste some typically Taiwanese culinary delights.

Located to the south of the main island of the Yaeyama archipelago, Ishigaki boasts all the aspects of an authentic piece of paradise. Youﾒve guessed it, you donﾒt come here for its skyscrapers but for its pure emerald waters and idyllic beaches. Explore pristine coral reefs on a scuba-dive or snorkelling session ﾠﾖ ﾠyou may witness the ﾓflightﾔ of a manta ray. The waters off Shiraho, on the islandﾒs south-west coast, have one of the largest areas of blue coral in the world.

Capital of Okinawa Prefecture, the town of Naha is located on the south-west of the island. Youﾒll love its lively atmosphere, particularly along Kokusai Dori, otherwise known as ﾓinternational streetﾔ. The picturesque Makishi Public Market, nicknamed ﾓNahaﾒs kitchenﾔ offers a profusion of colourful fish, Okinawan foodstuffs and local spices and you can sample delicacies cooked on the spot . For an insight into the islandﾒs heritage, which combines Japanese and Taiwanese influences, visit Shuri Castle, a medieval building protected by UNESCO and surrounded by lovely gardens.

The seaside city of Kagoshima, at the south of Kyushu Island, ﾠis best known for Sakurajima, an active volcano that faces Kinko Bay. A visit to this busy metropolis will remind you just how much the volcano is part of the inhabitantsﾒ everyday life: in the wake of the almost daily eruptions, a delicate layer of ash settles on everything. The top of a buried torii (traditional Japanese gate) measuring three metres that was ﾓswallowed upﾔ by a giant lava flow in 1914 can still be seen. The power of nature will send a shiver down your spine.

Located on the west coast of Shikoku island, Uwajima will delight lovers of history and traditional customs. The magnificent Uwajima Castle was built in the 17th-century by the powerful Date clan and has a beautiful ornamental garden and bridge. The much-visited Taga Shrine is dedicated to fertility and is full of phalluses. Another interesting tradition is togyu, a Japanese variant of bull-fighting where two bulls are pitted against each other without a toreador. As for eating, you must taste jakoten, a local delicacy based on fried fish.

Visiting Hiroshima is a moving experience. The town spreads along Honshu Island, along the inside coasts of Seto. While firmly focused on the future, Hiroshima doesn't forget its past, and a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Genbaku Dome is a must. You'll enjoy the city's modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere and effervescent nightlife just as much as the peaceful stillness of its natural parkland areas such as splendid Shukkei-en, the town's historic garden.

The former town of Shimizu is located on the Pacific coast of Japan, south-west of Tokyo. “Former” since, from 2003, it has been absorbed into the neighbouring town of Shizuoka. From its port, the view onto the bay of Suruga is unique. Its Kashi-no Ichi fish market rolls out an armada of fresh fish. On the very bustling S-Pulse Dream Plaza, you’ll find cinemas, a museum, restaurants and a shopping mall. In a quieter area, along the coastline, the bike rides are very enjoyable. The Miho no Matsubara beach, bordered by a magnificent pine grove, offers a breathtaking view of mount Fuji, when the weather permits.

To the south-west of the Japanese archipelago, Shingu is a port town in the Kansai region. Founded in 1933, it belongs to the peninsula of Kii, the countryﾒs largest. Take a trip around the Kumano Sanzan religious complex dedicated to three sacred mountains and home to two Shinto temples, Kumano Hong? Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha.ﾠThe latter features the famous sacred nagi tree, said to have been planted around 1159. Pilgrims flock to these two sanctuaries that feature on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Hop on a boat and journey to the Dorokyo Gorge, a natural beauty spot carved out by the emerald waters of the Kumano river.

Like its big sister Tokyo, Osaka is the product of ancestral traditions and amazing technological innovations. And despite its size, its location on the Pacific Ocean give it a sense of serenity.ﾠ The main historic landmark is the 16th-century Osaka Castle, which stands proud in the midst of majestic skyscrapers. The lively streets of Dotomburi and the bizarre Shinsekai district attract thousands of locals and visitors. A multitude of restaurants offer menus full of regional specialities: takoyaki, made with octopus, and other succulent dishes such as kushikatsu kebabs.

Additional charges:

Port Charges: 960 AUD pp

Le Laperouse

Vessel Type: Luxury

Length: 127 metres

Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins

Built: 2017/2018

Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.

Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.

Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.

RESTAURANTS

As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. Through its two restaurants, Le Lapérouse will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism.

In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts.

To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals.

PUBLIC AREAS

Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Lapérouse has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger.

A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides: Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding.

A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas.

A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening.

Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

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